File photo (Image credit: Vernon Matters).

By Liam Verster-Vernon Matters

LOWER EAST ADAMS LAKE WILDFIRE

Evacuation alert issued for Shuswap area

Jul 21, 2023 | 5:20 AM

SALMON ARM, B.C. — Nearly a hundred properties in the Shuswap have been placed on Evacuation Alert.

The Columbia Shuswap Regional District (CSRD) issued the alert for 92 properties in the Lower East Adams Lake area at approximately 5:50 p.m. Thursday, July 20.

The alert was issued as a wildfire burning near Lower Adams Lake, 21 kilometres north of Chase, had increased to 70 hectares as of 5:54 p.m. Thursday.

The evacuation alert affects all properties from 2597 to 2900 Rawson Rd. in the CSRD Electoral Area F.

Image credit: CSRD

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The CSRD noted the alert is a warning about a potential threat to life and/or property and people in the affected area are advised to locate their grab-and-go bags containing necessary items like medication, valuable papers, eyeglasses, and enough clothing and incidentals for a 72-hour period in case the alert is expanded into an evacuation order.

People with friends or family members in the affected area are encouraged to contact them to ensure they are prepared as well.

The B.C. Wildfire Service told Vernon Matters ground crews were unable to reach the site Thursday due to difficult terrain impeding access.

The BCWS did note one helicopters was bucketing while another was being used to track the fire activity Thursday.

As of 6 p.m. the fire was an estimated 70 hectares in size and still classified as out of control.

It’s believed the fire was sparked by a lightning strike.